Clemson, led by Da'Quan Bowers, and USF each have something to play for in Friday's Meineke Car Care Bowl. The Tigers (6-6) want to avoid having their first losing season since 1998, while the Bulls (7-5) look to reach eight victories for the fifth straight season. [details]

Notes: Also played basketball and competed in track and field (shot put, discus) as a prep. Saw action in 10 games as a true freshman in 2007, recording eight tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack. Shed 25 pounds and stepped into the lineup for the injured Rashaad Jackson in '08, starting 12-of-13 games (gave way to three-man DL against South Carolina State) at "Cat" tackle and producing 36-10-2. Also blocked a point-after try. Started all 14 games at nose guard in '09 and posted 69-11-1 with a blocked field-goal attempt. In '10, started 12 games at defensive tackle and produced 53-9-1 with a pass batted down, a forced fumble and two blocked kicks. Missed the game against Presbyterian to rest a sprained MCL. Team captain.

Positives: Excellent size. Runs well and has good movement skills. Carries his weight well. Flattens down the line and ranges outside the box to track down ballcarriers. Good functional strength to neutralize blockers. Has strong hands and features an effective six-inch punch. Strong tackler.

Negatives: Needs to get stronger - bench-pressed only 17 reps of 225 pounds, which tied for the lowest total amongst defensive linemen at the Combine. Takes time to digest what he sees and is not an instant reactor. Can be slow to disengage and too often stays parked on the line of scrimmage. Needs to generate more power from his lower body. Plays tall against the double-team. Limited sack prowess - straight-linish, monotone rusher who just tries to push the pocket. The sum is not as great as the parts. Has only three career sacks.

Summary: Very athletic big man who flashed in one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl and has the length, quickness and run-stopping ability to play the nose in a one-gap, 4-3 defense. Will have to get stronger and play with more consistent leverage to become a factor but has starting-caliber athletic traits.